How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
"I remember being hit on the wrists with a twelve-inch ruler because I did not follow directions in class," Roberto answered in a mildly angry tone when I asked him about his first year of school. "But how could I?" he continued. "The teacher gave them in English." […]
I wish I had not asked him, but he was the only one in the family, including Papá and Mamá, who had attended school. I walked away. I did not speak or understand English either, and I already felt anxious. (3.1, 4)
Our first glimpse of school in this book sure doesn't paint a pretty picture—for Roberto, school is no fun at all. Let's hope things get better from here on out for him and Francisco.
Quote #2
Mr. Sims walked me to my classroom. I liked it as soon as I saw it because, unlike our tent, it had wooden floors, electric lights, and heat. It felt cozy. He introduced me to my teacher, Miss Scalapino, who smiled, repeating my name, "Francisco." […]
I sat at my desk and ran my hand over its wooden top. (3.9-10)
School actually seems cool here. The principal and teacher are both super nice, plus check out that swanky desk. We're thinking Francisco's tone definitely sounds pretty happy, and almost like he's mesmerized by all the new cool stuff. With Francisco seeming so pleased with this new school gig, maybe things are looking up after all.
Quote #3
My favorite time in school was when we did art, which was every afternoon, after the teacher had read to us. Since I did not understand Miss Scalapino when she explained the art lessons, she let me do whatever I wanted. I drew all kinds of animals but mostly birds and butterflies. I sketched them in pencil and then colored them using every color in my crayon box. Miss Scalapino even tacked one of my drawings up on the board for everyone to see. (3.20)
School has some rough patches, but at least art looks like a fun time—plus, Francisco is also so talented that his teacher honors one of his drawings. While it's cool that he gets to enjoy drawing though, it would also be cool for Miss S to bother teaching him—instead of just letting him be—too.
Quote #4
We were leaving only three weeks after I have enrolled in the fourth grade for the first time that year. As we drove by the school, I saw some kids I knew on the playground. I imagined myself playing with them with the ball I would get for Christmas. I waved to them but they did not see me. (6.11)
Because Francisco's family moves a lot, he doesn't get to spend much time in any one school—and when they leave Corcoran, he's only been in fourth grade for three weeks. Goodbye school, and goodbye school friends. Bummer all around.
Quote #5
Suddenly I noticed Papá's face turn pale as he looked down the road. "Here comes the school bus," he whispered loudly in alarm. Instinctively, Roberto and I ran and hid in the vineyards. We did not want to get in trouble for not going to school. (9.20)
During grape season, Roberto and Francisco ditch school to help their parents pick grapes—their family needs all the helping hands they can get. This lets us know that while school is important, when it comes to a work versus school standoff, sometimes work takes the cake.
Quote #6
After taking roll, Mr. Lema gave the class the assignment for the first hour. "The first thing we have to do this morning is finish reading the story we began yesterday," he said enthusiastically. He walked up to me, handed me an English book, and asked me to read. "We are on page 125," he said politely. When I heard this, I felt my blood rush to my head; I felt dizzy. "Would you like to read?" he asked hesitantly. I opened the book to page 125. My mouth was dry. My eyes began to water. I could not begin. "You can read later," Mr. Lema said understandingly. (9.28)
So this Mr. Lema sounds like one awesome dude. When Francisco feels embarrassed on his first day back at school, Mr. L gets him out of a pickle. In the past, Francisco's teachers have only been so-so, but Mr. L is way more understanding. Hopefully he can have a good influence on our main man, and make school a fun place to be.
Quote #7
Mr. Lema was sitting at his desk correcting papers. When I entered he looked up at me and smiled. I felt better. I walked up to him and asked if he could help me with the new words. "Gladly," he said.
The rest of the month I spent my lunch hours working on English with Mr. Lema, my best friend at school. (9.29-30)
Remember all those times Francisco didn't know English so the teachers just ignored him? Well not Mr. Lema. He's ready to sit down with Francisco and hash out this whole learning English thing. How do you think Mr. L's cool attitude impacts Francisco's feelings about school? It sounds to us like Francisco really wants to be there now. Good one, Mr. L.
Quote #8
I was in a bad mood. It was the last day of seventh grade before summer vacation. I had known the day was coming, but I had tried not to think about it because it made me sad. […]
In the school bus on the way home, I took out my note pad and pencil from my shirt pocket and began figuring out how much time there was before I would start school again—from the middle of June until the first week of November, about four and a half months. Ten weeks picking strawberries in Santa Maria and another eight weeks harvesting grapes and cotton in Fresno. (10.1-2)
School has become something Francisco really likes, which is a big change. But the work versus school conflict is still there. When school ends and it's time for summer work, and Francisco knows he's got a long wait ahead until he can get back in the classroom. What do you think has changed for Francisco? How is his attitude toward learning different now versus earlier in the book?
Quote #9
The closer we got to Santa Maria, the more excited I became because I knew where we were going to live for the next several months. I especially looked forward to seeing some of my classmates in the eighth grade at El Camino Junior High. I had not seen them since last June when school ended. I wonder if they'll remember me? I thought to myself. (12.29)
Francisco is going to be starting eighth grade in his old school in Santa Maria and he is as stoked as can be. He's looking forward to seeing his old pals again, though he also sounds a little nervous too. Will they remember him? It's hard always being the new kid.
Quote #10
At one o'clock, right after lunch, I was the first one in Miss Ehlis's classroom. I sat at my desk and went over the recitation in my mind one last time: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." I checked the text in my note pad to make sure I had not forgotten anything. It was perfect. Feeling confident, I placed the note pad inside the desk and waited for the class to start. (12.86)
Francisco has been working really hard memorizing this part of the Declaration of Independence. Back in the beginning of the book he was super nervous and quiet all the time when it came to school, but now he's seriously brave and ready to go—he even says he's "confident" while he's waiting for class. Sounds to us like school has had a pretty great influence on our main man.